Portfolio Director in Llandudno

Portfolio Director

Gwynedd Council – Permanent – Published on 2 March 2026 – Closing date: 22 January 2026. Location: GWYNEDD COUNCIL, Gwynedd Rd, Llandudno LL30 1YR, UK.

Job Description Purpose

Provide senior leadership and direction for the delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal in line with the region\’s long‑term vision for economic well‑being. Drive and promote collaboration across the six North Wales local authorities, higher and further education, the private sector, and Welsh and UK Governments to maximise economic and social impact. Lead the planning, management and delivery of the Growth Deal portfolio, securing value for money and achieving agreed outcomes. Champion inclusive, sustainable economic growth through innovation, skills development, job creation, private sector investment and the transition to a low‑carbon economy. Develop and maintain strong working relationships with regional, national and UK stakeholders, supporting the CEO in influencing policy, attracting investment and strengthening North Wales\’s economic position. Ensure high standards of governance, transparency and accountability in all aspects of portfolio delivery. Act as a senior representative of the organisation, promoting the region\’s opportunities and achievements to partners, investors and communities.

Core Leadership Responsibilities

• Collective responsibility as part of the Leadership Team for setting strategy, delivery and performance management across the organisation.
• Embodiment of Ambition North Wales values and behaviours by staff and teams.
• Supporting colleagues and team members to deliver on the priorities of Ambition North Wales and their development.
• Matrix management of staff and resources across the Corporate Joint Committee to deliver on priorities.
• Act as ambassador for Ambition North Wales and the region.

Role Specific Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Vision – Be accountable to the North Wales Economic Well‑being Sub Committee for the development and operational delivery of the Vision for Economic Well‑being, providing strategic advice and direction to maximise opportunities for sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the region. Provide expert guidance and recommendations on strategies and systems required to deliver growth and prosperity, integrating employment, skills, transport and land use planning. Identify and pursue opportunities to influence UK and Welsh Government policy, attract external investment and promote North Wales.
• Programme & Portfolio Delivery – Lead and coordinate the successful delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal, ensuring programmes and projects are delivered effectively by relevant partners, supported by comprehensive and resourced programme plans, robust project management and clear performance monitoring. Take responsibility for performance, risk management and outcomes of Growth Deal programmes and projects, and wider initiatives aligned to the Corporate Strategy. Review and synthesize economic and demographic analysis to inform portfolio planning and prioritisation. Develop and manage the Growth Deal portfolio budget with Finance partners for approval by the Sub Committee, ensuring sound financial management and maximising resource value.
• Governance, Accountability & Compliance – Coordinate decision‑making processes through partner councils and other agencies where matters fall outside the direct remit of the Sub Committee. Ensure matters within the remit of the Economic Well‑being Sub Committee are brought forward for timely decision‑making, supported by comprehensive, accurate documentation.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Evidence of relevant continuous professional and managerial development.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• Senior leadership experience delivering complex portfolios, programmes or economic development initiatives within a multi‑stakeholder or public sector environment.
• Strong knowledge of economic development, regional growth and regeneration policy in Wales and the UK, including government funding and the HM Treasury’s Green Book guidance.
• Extensive partnership working with local authorities, higher/further education, private sector and government, with evidence of building effective collaborative relationships.
• Ability to translate strategic vision into delivery, ensuring measurable outcomes, value for money and sustainable benefits.
• Excellent political awareness, stakeholder management and negotiation skills at senior levels.
• Proven programme management capability, including risk, performance, financial management and governance.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret economic, financial and demographic data for evidence‑based decision making.
• Strong communication and presentation skills to inspire confidence and promote the Ambition North Wales vision to varied audiences.
• Leadership and people management skills, with experience developing high‑performing, motivated teams.

Language Requirements

• Listening and Speaking – able to deal verbatim in both Welsh and English.
• Reading and Understanding – to use and interpret information in both Welsh and English.
• Writing – to present written information in both Welsh and English with confidence.

Core Behaviours

• Leadership – lead by example within own area.
• Responsibility – take responsibility for work, performance and development.
• Respect – respect colleagues, partners and stakeholders, building effective relationships.
• Ethics – demonstrate highest standards of ethical conduct and public service values.

Values and Behaviours – Team Values

• We are ambitious, leaders, innovators, challenge conventional thinking, pursue high standards and develop professionally.
• We collaborate, share knowledge and support colleagues.
• We do the right thing, speak out against unethical behaviour.
• We are respectful, fair and considerate, delivering commitments on time.
• We make a difference, champion Welsh language, heritage, support charities, protect the environment.

Contact

For further information about this post please contact Alwen Williams, Chief Executive – North Wales Corporate Joint Committee by email: .

Application forms and further details available from Support Service, Gwynedd Council, Council Offices, Caernarfon, LL55 1S.

Application Process

Applications will be considered until the closing date. If shortlisted for an interview you will be contacted by e‑mail using the address provided on your application form. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

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